Ova and Parasites Exam, Stool

Preferred specimen:	Stool placed in O & P transport containers, inoculate both the formalin and PVA vial. Note: It is very important that BOTH formalin and PVA vials be inoculated with the stool specimen. Complete analysis is only possible when both vials of preservative are submitted for testing. Collect stool specimen in a clean, dry container. Immediately after collection, transfer the stool specimen to both the formalin and PVA vials, adding up to the fill line on each vial label. Mix vials well. Stool specimen preserved in O & P transport media is stable for 9 months at room temperature or refrigerated. If multiple stool specimens are indicated, collect on three separate days. Record the collection date and time on each specimen vial.
Minimum specimen:	0.5 mL liquid stool or 1 g solid (pea-sized) stool.
Notes:	The ova and parasite exam does not test for the identification of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm), refer to (order code 2345).  Special stains are required for Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Cystoisospora, or Microsporidia and are not detected by the ova and parasite exam. For Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Cystoisospora stains, refer to (order code 7400). Antigen testing by EIA is the preferred method for Cryptosporidium (order code 3469). For Microsporidia stain, refer to (order code 82692).
Acceptable specimen:	Fresh stool specimen in a clean, plastic screw-cap container is acceptable only if the specimen will be received in the testing laboratory within 24 hours of collection. Transport refrigerated.
Unacceptable specimen:	Specimens contaminated with barium or oil, specimens preserved in Cary Blair media or on swabs, frozen specimens, or multiple specimens (more than one in 24 hours)
Transport temp:	Room temperature
Methodology:	Microscopic Examination of Stool Concentrate and Trichrome Stain
Unit Code:	401910
Ref Range:	No parasites seen
Reported:	Within 3 days
	ARUP Consult® Disease Topics Diarrhea Schistosoma Species - Schistosomiasis